RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Emergency crews and state and county officials remain on scene as a fire continues to burn inside an abandoned railroad tunnel near Princewick.
Coal City Volunteer Fire and EMS said crews are continuing to monitor the fire, which is not currently considered an immediate threat to nearby homes or property. Air quality remains the primary concern.
“Crews are currently on site at the tunnel fire. The fire is still actively burning, but still doesn’t pose an immediate danger to any homes or property. The only concern is air quality which is being monitored.
Officials from Raleigh County 911, Raleigh County Commission, WV Homeland Security, WV DEP, and WV EPA are all onsite working to mitigate the issue.
A plan has been put in place in an attempt to cover both sides of the tunnel. Please stay clear from the area as heavy machinery will be active.”
The fire is burning in the old Sophia railroad tunnel. Firefighters previously said conditions inside the tunnel were too dangerous for crews to enter because of the collapsing roof.
Raleigh County Commissioner Daniel Hall said county officials were notified of the incident and the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the response.
“The Raleigh County Commission was notified of a fire in an abandoned railroad tunnel near Princewick earlier [Sunday]. Coal City VFD has been on the scene since the initial reports. The Raleigh County EOC is coordinating the response and we will share updates as they are available.”
The fire has also prompted school closures in the area. Coal City Elementary School, Independence Middle School and Independence High School are closed Monday, Sept. 14.
Officials are asking the public to stay away from the tunnel while crews work and heavy machinery operates in the area.
